Platelet storage time and cytokine (IL-2R, IL-8, TNF-alpha) levels.

This study investigated whether cytokine accumulation in plasma of platelet concentrates obtained from single apheresis donors was beyond the acceptable limits of white blood cell contamination at different storage time-points. Samples were obtained from 11 voluntary apheresis donors. All products were heavily contaminated with leukocytes. Sampling times from stored platelets were 0, 1, 3, 5 days respectively. Platelet, white blood cell counts and cytokines (IL-2R, IL-8 and TNF-alpha) were measured. The study found significant cytokine accumulation during 5 days of storage time in leukocyte contaminated platelet concentrates, suggesting that the platelet storage time has an effect on IL-2R levels.